COVINGTON -- The Newton County School System may be able to save some money on its top administrators with a possible reorganization due to a pending retirement.

Linda Hayden, associate superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at NCSS, announced on Monday her retirement, effective June 30, but the position may not be filled in the same capacity as it has been for the past four years.

"It is certainly possible that with Dr. Hayden's retirement, we will seek to reorganize the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment to reflect a downgraded position from the current associate superintendency," said NCSS Superintendent Gary Mathews. "What else might transpire is not certain at this time."

Mathews said there is no timeline set for this decision.

Hayden, who will have 31 years in education when she retires, said she will stay committed to serving students and children after her retirement.

"I love education passionately," she said. "I am not sure of what occupation I will have after retirement, but I hope the second career for me will be in education in a different area where I learn something new and can serve others. Time will have to tell."

She also plans to be more involved in the lives of her family.

"Other than working somewhere part time, I wish to spend time loving seven grandchildren even more," she said. "I also look forward to the second phase of motherhood where I help my adult children and spouses as much as I can with their needs as a family -- once a mother, always a mother at heart. I love my family very much and have always put them first before work. It is time in my life to now do that again."

Before coming to Newton County Schools in July 2006, the Griffin resident served as deputy superintendent for Instruction in Bibb County Schools, superintendent of schools in Pulaski County and assistant superintendent in Spalding County. She also has worked as a principal, assistant principal, English and business teacher and technical school teacher in the Southeast since 1973.